Mrs. Owen's Illinois Cook Book

Mrs. Owens of Springfield had the enthusiastic support of her neighbors in compiling her cookbook—it includes a list of their names endorsing her recipes at the beginning of the book. The ladies note that the recipes are original and "choice," but most important, "the materials called for are within the reach of all, and can be had in any of our western towns." Because of the still-primitive 19th century transportation system, regional cookbooks like this one began to spring up, created by ...